Ultrasound and microwave assisted extraction of bioactives from food wastes: An overview on their comparative analysis towards commercialization

Valorizing food waste to functional bioactives is a robust research area. Sustainability, cost effectiveness, enhanced productivity of the bio-extracts and finally on the industrial readiness have been the driving force for research towards non-thermal extractions, novel solvents, process optimization, dual technological adoption and lately on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML). Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) stand apart in the context of cost-effectiveness and hold tremendous potential to be scaled-up despite the identified challenges. Thus, with the focus on technological merit, scalability challenges, advancements, quality assessment, the present review has made an elaborate performance assessment for bioactive recovery with respect to productivity, green solvents as well as on environment and energy impact. Finally, research and development on AI tools in quality process control, optimization and real-time monitoring and combined use of UAE + MAE in addressing technological flaws, boosting quality, productivity show positive aspects towards commercialization.